By Ronald L. Perl, Esq.

The recent snow storm created a nightmare for many community associations in New Jersey. The unusual amount of snow and high winds interfered with snow removal efforts and created both physical and financial burdens. It is therefore timely to discuss a law that became operative on January 1st of this year, which gives municipalities the authority to require adjacent property owners to clear snow from all fire hydrants “within 24 hours of snow coverage.” The law, N.J.S.A. 40:65-12.1, also authorizes municipalities to require the installation of a locator pole on each hydrant.